Secrets in the Shadows

A Sunday sample from the latest book edited by the Written Word, and written

By Lucy Appadoo

“I honestly do not know how to give you this grave news, but I have no other way to say it, Ricardo. Please know that I am here to support you and will find out who did this.”

Ricardo’s stomach somersaulted, an uneasy prickle pouring down his spine. “What? Is it my parents?”

Angel played with a file of papers in his hand and placed them into the in-tray. His desk was cluttered with stacks of case files, a computer, and a phone. Sticky notes lined the edges. Bravery and commendation awards hanging on the wall behind Angel showed his long line of achievements in the Civil Guard. “My friend, it is about your brother.” Ricardo angled his head and swallowed, steeling himself for what he knew would be bad news. “I am sorry, but Manuel is dead.”

He jerked. “What did you say?” Ricardo surely didn’t hear right. His body shook and he couldn’t see straight. His head ached like never before and Angel’s figure appeared surreal. Words coming out of Angel’s mouth didn’t make sense.

“Manuel was murdered two days ago. I am deeply sorry for your loss,” Angel said.

Have you written a book? You need a professional editor. Contact Scott Bury, the Written Word, for an estimate for editing your manuscript.
Make your book the best it can be.

His younger brother was dead. Dead. He never got to make amends with him. He never got to tell him how much he loved him, despite his criminal affiliations. He swallowed and ignored the chill in his back and the pain in his chest. Why couldn’t he have made more of an effort with him? Now it was too late. “How?”

“His photo and a set of clothes with bullet holes lay on top of a barrel, indicating the drug cartel had sent us a message. We believe his body was dissolved in a mix of chemicals in the barrel. We found two bullet casings at the crime scene, so most likely he had been shot beforehand.” He looked away. “It appeared that his body was dumped into a barrel of chemicals. He was reported as missing for about a day while assisting the police as a confidential informant. He stopped by the local petrol station and the service attendant remembered him. He was wearing the same clothes found at the scene. The police traced his movements, but the warehouse is now obviously empty.”

Ricardo shook his head, unable to breathe. “Jesus, Angel.” He banged hard on the desk. “What the hell! How could this happen? They should have looked out for him, protected him.” His chest was on fire and he could barely breathe, as he pushed back his tears and closed them, his throat and whole body aching.

Angelo got up, walked around to his side, and put his arms around him. “Let it out, my friend. Let it out.” After holding his friend, he returned to his seat, his expression dark. “The police in Madrid did everything they could possibly do, but sometimes these situations happen. We cannot foresee every possible scenario when so much is out of our control, Ricardo.”

He glared. “That’s total bullshit, Angelo, and a cop-out. I want answers and I want them now.”

Angelo nodded. “Then I shall get them for you. Leave it with me, my friend.”

Ricardo walked out of there with a heavy heart and vowed to get vengeance on the death of his brother. Whoever did this to his brother would now have to deal with him.

Have you written a book? You need a professional editor. Contact Scott Bury, the Written Word, for an estimate for editing your manuscript. Make your book the best it can be.

Secrets in the Shadows

Would you leave home to get justice for a gruesome crime in the drug cartel?

Kim Mai, a 27-year old yoga teacher visits regional Madrid to deliver a letter to her murdered exboyfriend’s brother, Ricardo Perez. But Kim never expected to fall for Ricardo, a former detective turned hotel manager who vows to find the killer at any cost.

As Kim and Ricardo set out on a journey to discover his brother’s murderer in the South American cartel, a series of incidences brings them closer to deceit and danger. The bodies soon pile up.

No one can be trusted, and the final showdown will prove deadly, while Ricardo fights his feelings for Kim in order to keep her safe.

If you enjoy stories of romance, high action, and deadly villains, you’ll enjoy Lucy Appadoo’s third book, Secrets In The Shadows in the Women Of Strength Series.

Get it on Amazon.

About the author

Lucy Appadoo is a prolific reader and author of the Friends In Crisis Series. After a childhood spent reading and imagining escapist worlds, Lucy has put her imagination into stories. Her work as a rehabilitation counsellor, and former work as a counsellor in private practice, have led to an interest in writing inspirational stories about authentic, driven women who manage adversity with strength and heart. She writes in the genres of romantic suspense/thrillers with significant life themes and contemporary romance.

Lucy’s interests include researching crime stories and news to inspire her work, watching crime thrillers and suspenseful movies, travel, exercising, reading for entertainment or knowledge, meditation, and spending time with friends and family. She also appreciates her Italian background and culture, which has inspired her to write imaginative stories about her parents’ childhoods, leading to The Italian Family Series novels.

Check out Lucy’s website and sign up for a FREE suspenseful novel on her website.

Learn more about Lucy Appadoo on her